What is it that prompts our need for that morning cup of Joe? Why is it that we can't drag ourselves into consciousness without first taking a sip of a triple shot nonfat latte? It's the caffeine, of course. Caffeine is a natural stimulant. In fact, caffeine is actually considered the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world.
Statistically, around 80% of the world's population drinks or eats caffeine in some form or other, either in coffee, mate, tea, or chocolate etc. every single day. A whopping 90% of Americans ingest caffeine on a regular day to day basis. Just over half of those intake more than 300 milligrams of the stuff daily. Caffeine seems to make the world go round.
So just what is caffeine and why do we all crave it so much? Caffeine is the layman's term for chemical compound 1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine. In its pure, unadulterated form, caffeine is a white crystalline xanthine alkaloid with a bitter taste.
Caffeine was first discovered back in 1819 by a German chemist called Friedrich Ferdinand Runge, who called it kaffein due to the fact that it was found in coffee or kaffee in German.
Caffeine is naturally occurring and can be found in a variety of plants; it actually acts a pesticide, keeping insects at bay.
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it reacts with the central nervous system, and stimulates awareness, increasing alertness and warding off drowsiness. It also has diuretic properties, meaning that in those unused to its effects it can increase urine production. Caffeine is absorbed within 45 minutes of ingestion. Its half life, varies but within adults it lasts about five hours.
There are varying opinions as to the effects and benefits of caffeine. High caffeine consumption which is considered to be more than 6,000 mg/day (most Americans consume about 280 mg/day, while about 20-30% consume more than 600 mg) is considered to be adverse to one's health. It can lead to sleeping problems and it is addictive.
It's easy to build up a tolerance for caffeine. This basically means that your body easily adapts to higher levels, which means you end up having to intake more caffeine to feel its effects. Those who do consume high amounts of caffeine each day often end up feeling withdrawal symptoms such headaches and stomach pains when they don't get their caffeine 'fix'.
When consumed in moderation, caffeine can enhance physical and mental performance. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve endurance in athletes especially in high intensity activities.
Your typical drip-brewed coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. A cup of black tea (8 oz) contains 50 mg of caffeine. Sodas such as Coke and Pepsi contain 40-50 mg per 12 ounce can, while chocolate contains 6 mg per ounce.
Caffeine is not recommended in large quantities for pregnant women. Although the findings are as yet inconclusive, there is some evidence to suggest that caffeine may affect the formation of the fetus or possibly increase the risk of miscarriage. It may also affect fertility. That being said, there is no direct link connecting caffeine to miscarriage.
Some religious followers don't consume caffeine-Christian Scientists, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, among others.
Statistically, around 80% of the world's population drinks or eats caffeine in some form or other, either in coffee, mate, tea, or chocolate etc. every single day. A whopping 90% of Americans ingest caffeine on a regular day to day basis. Just over half of those intake more than 300 milligrams of the stuff daily. Caffeine seems to make the world go round.
So just what is caffeine and why do we all crave it so much? Caffeine is the layman's term for chemical compound 1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine. In its pure, unadulterated form, caffeine is a white crystalline xanthine alkaloid with a bitter taste.
Caffeine was first discovered back in 1819 by a German chemist called Friedrich Ferdinand Runge, who called it kaffein due to the fact that it was found in coffee or kaffee in German.
Caffeine is naturally occurring and can be found in a variety of plants; it actually acts a pesticide, keeping insects at bay.
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it reacts with the central nervous system, and stimulates awareness, increasing alertness and warding off drowsiness. It also has diuretic properties, meaning that in those unused to its effects it can increase urine production. Caffeine is absorbed within 45 minutes of ingestion. Its half life, varies but within adults it lasts about five hours.
There are varying opinions as to the effects and benefits of caffeine. High caffeine consumption which is considered to be more than 6,000 mg/day (most Americans consume about 280 mg/day, while about 20-30% consume more than 600 mg) is considered to be adverse to one's health. It can lead to sleeping problems and it is addictive.
It's easy to build up a tolerance for caffeine. This basically means that your body easily adapts to higher levels, which means you end up having to intake more caffeine to feel its effects. Those who do consume high amounts of caffeine each day often end up feeling withdrawal symptoms such headaches and stomach pains when they don't get their caffeine 'fix'.
When consumed in moderation, caffeine can enhance physical and mental performance. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve endurance in athletes especially in high intensity activities.
Your typical drip-brewed coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. A cup of black tea (8 oz) contains 50 mg of caffeine. Sodas such as Coke and Pepsi contain 40-50 mg per 12 ounce can, while chocolate contains 6 mg per ounce.
Caffeine is not recommended in large quantities for pregnant women. Although the findings are as yet inconclusive, there is some evidence to suggest that caffeine may affect the formation of the fetus or possibly increase the risk of miscarriage. It may also affect fertility. That being said, there is no direct link connecting caffeine to miscarriage.
Some religious followers don't consume caffeine-Christian Scientists, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, among others.
About the Author:
Learn more about one cup coffee makers. Stop by Damian Papworth's site where you can find out all about one cup coffee makers and the type of coffee they can make for you.. This article, All About Caffeine has free reprint rights.